THE WALL OF FACES

Landing Zone Kiwi (Hill 246) was located three kilometers (1.8 miles) southwest of Qui Nhon Airbase in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. A few minutes after midnight on February 1, 1970, Kiwi received three rounds of B-40 rocket propelled-grenade and small arms fire. An 18th Engineer Brigade welder, SP4 Charles L. Riddle, was fatally injured in the attack. Two others were wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessors Learned, Headquarters, U.S. Army Support Command, Qui Nhon, Period Ending 30 April 1970” at archive.org]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Remembering you and those who didn't make it home from the Vietnam War. This year makes 50 years since America left Vietnam, but the time that you and those we lost have been gone seems so much longer.

With respect, always.

We can tell Memorial Day is coming with the wreaths that hang on front doors, and the small red, white, and blue American flags that line the grass covered graves of the Veterans’ cemeteries all acrosse America. One of those graves is yours, and we honor your life and your memory on this Memorial day.

May we never forget your example and the true cost of our freedoms. You with those who love you paid that cost, and America will be forever indebted.

With respect, always.

Dear Sp4 Charles Riddle, Thank you for your service as a Welder. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 20th anniversary of 9/11 is soon, and still very sad. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.